Giving Hands

     The 'Jon Patte Shoebox' has delivered $16 000 dollars into the hands of adults in need of 'life affirming experiences'. From my meager knowledge of mathimatical Formuli I have computed that 1600 ($10 gifts), or 640 ($25 gifts), or 160 ($100 gifts) caring individuals are responsible for these 'Random Acts of Kindness'. How extraordinary that so little, matched by others, can go so far. The friends of Jon Patte should be 'walking proud'. I know his family feels so fortunate to be surrounded by such incredible individuals.
     An author, newly discovered through the kindness of Elizabeth Blight, shared a personal observation with myself and Libbie Burns at a recent book signing we attended. Randy Wayne White believes that the written word is more powerful than a picture. He believes that the written word can reawaken a long ago memory; we will be transported back to that time, and place and remember sights, sounds, smells, and the people to a far greater extent than from viewing a photograph of the event. I am in complete agreement and was not even aware I felt this way. Recording a life for future eyes to discover the essence of someone.
     In November I took my sadness and loss and began to write. Every day for 26 days I placed my memories of Jon into words. It was my final promise to him. I would share him with his grandchildren. He didn't meet them but I wanted them to meet him. I began Tell Me a Jon Patte at his birth and over the eighty pages I recorded as many life experiences as I knew. Friends and family told me stories from before and during our life together that I was not familiar with. I was transported to that time and place and Jon was there with me. I laughed, sometimes to tears, hearing and then recording the stories that characterized Jon in life. No wonder he was called 'Mr Triple Book' . He couldn't say no because he wanted to experience it all.

The 'Shoebox' is so totally a Jon Patte'ism'!
     In today's post I would like to share the pictures and words Adele and Neil sent, via Australia, where they were making family memories. The 'Shoebox' didn't make this trip happen: they were already going. They both knew 'come H*** or high water' Neil was going home. However, the knowledge that 250, or 100, or 25 strangers wanted to contribute made them feel loved. You made a difference in their lives and that made the trip more special. We thank you (the 'Shoebox Committee) for allowing us to represent you. Your generousity has given me so many more memories to share with Jon's grandchildren. I think the new chapter will be titled: Tell Me a Jon Patte Shoebox !

 

dear shannon- here we are home again. a bit blustery here after 33 degrees for a couple of weeks.All went well and neil had a wonderful time renewing acquaintenances. he was able to see most people he needed to and wanted to. We had a wonderful holiday. the extra money was put on one flight and some was used as money there to help us along the way. thanks again so very much.

Neil will be forwarding you pictures as his camera stopped functioning while we were there so he is going to transfer stuff to the computer and send from that. Sorry about that. we did try to mail you updates but to no avail . He'll be on that in the next few days. the pictures of him with his grandchildren are great .

Should there be anything you would like us to do - ever- please ask. we will be in touch again- adele and neil

Dear Shannon, we had a wonderful visit to Australia which was enhanced

by your generosity. We had 25 relatives at a family day just after we arrived.

Several friends called to see us or invited us for lunch. Three of our grandchildren

are beginning studies at University and one (Ruby) is in Grade 11.

I had difficulty sending pictures on the computers

I had access to, owing to my limited computer skills. All relatives and friends

seemed very pleased to see us and we were able to spend time with our three

grown-up children. Owing to the long flights and the progression of my

illness, I don't think I'll be up to going home again.

Neil and Karen

Thank you again,regards, Neil

Neil and Adele with daughters Karen and Sue.

I have so much to tell you. Please forgive me if it takes me awhile to frame the words.

 Future Posts: 

1. Elaine's Dream Trip.
2. An eighteen year old man's wish. ('The Shoebox' was thrilled to contribute) 
3. In Jon's memory: A search for the perfect Key Lime Pie.
4. An invitation to "Drop the Puck" for a Whitby Wildcat 'AAA' squad participating in an OMHA Championship.  They honoured Jon's memory like "10 men"